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We enjoy gazing at the stunning Spanish architecture of Antonio Gaudi's Casa Batllo (pictured) and Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.9601280

We enjoy gazing at the stunning Spanish architecture of Antonio Gaudi's Casa Batllo (pictured) and Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

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We enjoy sipping a glass of wine and eating thinly sliced jamón serrano, a type of dry-cured Spanish ham.9601280

We enjoy sipping a glass of wine and eating thinly sliced jamón serrano, a type of dry-cured Spanish ham.

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We love Spanish actors who've made it to Hollywood, including Javier Bardem and his wife Penelope Cruz.9601280

We love Spanish actors who've made it to Hollywood, including Javier Bardem and his wife Penelope Cruz.

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We can't forget about the Spanish explorers who became the first to discover the Mississippi River (pictured), the Amazon River, Antarctica, Puerto Rico and many other places around the world.9601280

We can't forget about the Spanish explorers who became the first to discover the Mississippi River (pictured), the Amazon River, Antarctica, Puerto Rico and many other places around the world.

David Elfering

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Gazspatcho is a tomato-based, raw-vegetable soup that originated in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. We love this cool and refreshing summer dish.9601280

Gazspatcho is a tomato-based, raw-vegetable soup that originated in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. We love this cool and refreshing summer dish.

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We marvel at the culinary skills of Spanish chef Jose Andres, who owns Café Altantico, Zaytinya, Jaleo, Oyamel and Minibar by Jose Andres. His restaurants serve a variety of delicious cuisines.9601280

We marvel at the culinary skills of Spanish chef Jose Andres, who owns Café Altantico, Zaytinya, Jaleo, Oyamel and Minibar by Jose Andres. His restaurants serve a variety of delicious cuisines.

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Tapas, appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine, have become a part of the US dining experience, and it's another tasty reason why we love the Spanish.9601280

Tapas, appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine, have become a part of the US dining experience, and it's another tasty reason why we love the Spanish.

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Sangria is a mixture of red wine, sliced fruit, brandy and triple sec. Eating a mid-day meal with a tall glass of sangria encourages a nice siesta.9601280

Sangria is a mixture of red wine, sliced fruit, brandy and triple sec. Eating a mid-day meal with a tall glass of sangria encourages a nice siesta.

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Spain has a variety of tasty wines and vineyards, but Priorat, a comarca or county in Catalonia, is one of the best and most beautiful wine districts in Spain.9601280

Spain has a variety of tasty wines and vineyards, but Priorat, a comarca or county in Catalonia, is one of the best and most beautiful wine districts in Spain.

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It's the fast and furious! Motorsports have become very popular in Spain. The country has hosted 3 Grand Prix motorcycle races. Race-car driving also gained 1,000s of new fans after Fernando Alonso Diaz won the Formula One World Driver's Championship 2 years in a row.9601280

It's the fast and furious! Motorsports have become very popular in Spain. The country has hosted 3 Grand Prix motorcycle races. Race-car driving also gained 1,000s of new fans after Fernando Alonso Diaz won the Formula One World Driver's Championship 2 years in a row.

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We love the spectacle of a bullfight and how the matadors skillfully dodge the horns of a charging bull.9601280

We love the spectacle of a bullfight and how the matadors skillfully dodge the horns of a charging bull.

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What traveler doesn't dream about relaxing on a beautiful beach in Spain? Paradisiac Beach is located on the coast of Ibiza.9601280

What traveler doesn't dream about relaxing on a beautiful beach in Spain? Paradisiac Beach is located on the coast of Ibiza.

RUBEN GUTIERREZ

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We enjoy topping off a big dinner late at night by ordering the flan, a popular Spanish dessert.9601280

We enjoy topping off a big dinner late at night by ordering the flan, a popular Spanish dessert.

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Spanish-Mexican tenor Placido Domingo is just one of several talented voices that inspire us to sing -- even if it's in the shower. And we can't forget about other famous singers like Jose Carreras, Julio Iglesias, and for the young pop music fans, Enrique Iglesias.9601280

Spanish-Mexican tenor Placido Domingo is just one of several talented voices that inspire us to sing -- even if it's in the shower. And we can't forget about other famous singers like Jose Carreras, Julio Iglesias, and for the young pop music fans, Enrique Iglesias.

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We enjoy visiting opulent castles in Spain, including Alcazar in Segovia (pictured), Palacio Real in Arajuez or Alhambra in Granada.9601280

We enjoy visiting opulent castles in Spain, including Alcazar in Segovia (pictured), Palacio Real in Arajuez or Alhambra in Granada.

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We enjoy watching the intense passion between two Flamenco dancers. The dance originated in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia in the 18th century.9601280

We enjoy watching the intense passion between two Flamenco dancers. The dance originated in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia in the 18th century.

Albert Kerstna

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Women love fashion designer Manuel 'Manolo' Blahnik Rodriquez and his designer shoes, which have increased in popularity after several guest appearances on the TV show 'Sex in the City.'9601280

Women love fashion designer Manuel 'Manolo' Blahnik Rodriquez and his designer shoes, which have increased in popularity after several guest appearances on the TV show 'Sex in the City.'

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We appreciate Pablo Picasso's artwork, as well as other Spanish artists including Salvador Dali, El Greco and Francisco de Goya. And travelers from around the world head to Spain to experience these museums: the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, and the Dali Museum in Figueres.9601280

We appreciate Pablo Picasso's artwork, as well as other Spanish artists including Salvador Dali, El Greco and Francisco de Goya. And travelers from around the world head to Spain to experience these museums: the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, and the Dali Museum in Figueres.

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Each morning, 6 bulls run through the streets of Pamplona from their corral to the bullring, where, later in the afternoon, a bullfight completes the ritual. 9601280

Each morning, 6 bulls run through the streets of Pamplona from their corral to the bullring, where, later in the afternoon, a bullfight completes the ritual.

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San Fermin's Chupinazo

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Revelers are sprayed with water as they celebrate during the "Chupinazo," which marks the start of the San Fermin Festival in front of Pamplona's town hall with the launch of a firecracker. Tens of thousands of people pack the streets for the kick-off to Spain's most well-known fiesta. 9601280

Revelers are sprayed with water as they celebrate during the "Chupinazo," which marks the start of the San Fermin Festival in front of Pamplona's town hall with the launch of a firecracker. Tens of thousands of people pack the streets for the kick-off to Spain's most well-known fiesta.

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Parade of Gigantes y Cabezudos

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Each morning is celebrated with the parade of "gigantes y cabezudos" or "giants and big heads." The huge figures are more than 150 years old and roughly 13 feet tall. 9601280

Each morning is celebrated with the parade of "gigantes y cabezudos" or "giants and big heads." The huge figures are more than 150 years old and roughly 13 feet tall.

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The picador, on horseback, helps the matadors during the first stage of the bullfight. He uses a lance to prod the bull, causing the animal to straighten its charge toward the matador and lower its head to prepare it for the next stage of the fight. Multiple bullfights are performed throughout the days of the festival. 9601280

The picador, on horseback, helps the matadors during the first stage of the bullfight. He uses a lance to prod the bull, causing the animal to straighten its charge toward the matador and lower its head to prepare it for the next stage of the fight. Multiple bullfights are performed throughout the days of the festival.

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The Pena Voladora Parade

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On the first day of the festival, the Pena Voladora parade makes its way along Estafeta Street in Pamplona, Spain. 9601280

On the first day of the festival, the Pena Voladora parade makes its way along Estafeta Street in Pamplona, Spain.

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Woodchoppers Compete in the Aizkolaritza

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Woodchoppers carve tree trunks in the Aizkolaritza, a Basque wood-chopping competition that's just one of the many events during the San Fermin Festival. 9601280

Woodchoppers carve tree trunks in the Aizkolaritza, a Basque wood-chopping competition that's just one of the many events during the San Fermin Festival.

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Revelers in the Streets of Pamplona

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Festivalgoers hold up their red handkerchiefs, known as pañuelos, during opening day. 9601280

Festivalgoers hold up their red handkerchiefs, known as pañuelos, during opening day.

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Runners on Estafeta Street

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A fighting bull collides with runners along Estafeta Street during the San Fermin Festival. 9601280

A fighting bull collides with runners along Estafeta Street during the San Fermin Festival.

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Fireworks over Pamplona

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Fireworks mark the end of the festival's first day, before participants rest up for another day of running for their lives through the northern Spanish streets. 9601280

Fireworks mark the end of the festival's first day, before participants rest up for another day of running for their lives through the northern Spanish streets.

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Toro del Fuego

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A Toro del Fuego, or flaming bull, is run through the streets of Pamplona on the second day of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls, with kids and adults alike dodging the flying sparks. 9601280

A Toro del Fuego, or flaming bull, is run through the streets of Pamplona on the second day of the San Fermin Running of the Bulls, with kids and adults alike dodging the flying sparks.

Prado Museum (Madrid)

Open since November 1819, the Prado Museum houses several collections and more than 2,300 paintings, including El Greco’s The Flight to Egypt and Goya’s The Countess of Chinchon. The museum hosts exhibitions featuring works by well-renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Picasso and Rembrandt.9601280

Open since November 1819, the Prado Museum houses several collections and more than 2,300 paintings, including El Greco’s The Flight to Egypt and Goya’s The Countess of Chinchon. The museum hosts exhibitions featuring works by well-renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Picasso and Rembrandt.

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Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

Thousands of tourists converge on Plaza Mayor each year. Shops and cafes are located around the square, and it’s not uncommon to see street performers entertaining the foot traffic that’s flowing through the popular tourist destination. Grab a seat, order a pitcher of sangria and enjoy the weather and people-watching.9601280

Thousands of tourists converge on Plaza Mayor each year. Shops and cafes are located around the square, and it’s not uncommon to see street performers entertaining the foot traffic that’s flowing through the popular tourist destination. Grab a seat, order a pitcher of sangria and enjoy the weather and people-watching.

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Sagrada Familia Basilica (Barcelona)

Sagrada Familia Basilica (Barcelona)

You cannot leave Barcelona without seeing the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a magnificent work of art that is still in progress after more than a century. In 1883, Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to complete the project started by Francisco de Paula del Villar. Gaudi finished the chapel of San Jose, the crypt and the Nativity facade, but after his death, different architects continued to work on and add to his original idea.9601280

You cannot leave Barcelona without seeing the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a magnificent work of art that is still in progress after more than a century. In 1883, Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to complete the project started by Francisco de Paula del Villar. Gaudi finished the chapel of San Jose, the crypt and the Nativity facade, but after his death, different architects continued to work on and add to his original idea.

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Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

Take a stroll through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, located in the city’s Ciutat Vella (“Old City”) district. Most of the streets are closed to traffic, allowing tourists to wander from La Rambla to Via Laietana to view the city’s medieval past.9601280

Take a stroll through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, located in the city’s Ciutat Vella (“Old City”) district. Most of the streets are closed to traffic, allowing tourists to wander from La Rambla to Via Laietana to view the city’s medieval past.

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Horchata (Valencia)

Horchata (Valencia)

Travel to Valencia, the home of horchata. This tasty concoction — made from tigernuts, water and sugar — is a summer beverage that is usually served cold. To sample your first horchata, head to Horchateria Santa Catalina, which is located in Valencia’s Santa Catalina Plaza.9601280

Travel to Valencia, the home of horchata. This tasty concoction — made from tigernuts, water and sugar — is a summer beverage that is usually served cold. To sample your first horchata, head to Horchateria Santa Catalina, which is located in Valencia’s Santa Catalina Plaza.

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Valencian Paella (Valencia)

Valencian Paella (Valencia)

During the mid-19th century, paella originated near the Albufera lagoon in Valencia. Locals and tourists can try seafood paella, mixed paella or Valencian paella, which is made with white rice, green vegetables, chicken, rabbit, land snails, beans and seasoning. We recommend sampling paella at a local restaurant such as La Matandeta, La Pepica or Tridente Restaurant.9601280

During the mid-19th century, paella originated near the Albufera lagoon in Valencia. Locals and tourists can try seafood paella, mixed paella or Valencian paella, which is made with white rice, green vegetables, chicken, rabbit, land snails, beans and seasoning. We recommend sampling paella at a local restaurant such as La Matandeta, La Pepica or Tridente Restaurant.

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Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Cordoba)

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Cordoba)

Tourists who visit Cordoba, Spain, should add a tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba — also known simply as the Great Mosque-Cathedral — to their must-do list. On the site originally was a Catholic church, which was then divided into Christian and Muslim halves after the Muslims conquered Spain in 711. Caliph ’Abd al-Rahman I purchased the Christian half, tore down the church and built the current magnificent structure, a monument to Moorish architecture, in 784. Today, it is a Roman Catholic cathedral, despite the pleas from Spanish Muslim lobbyists who want to be allowed to pray there.9601280

Tourists who visit Cordoba, Spain, should add a tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba — also known simply as the Great Mosque-Cathedral — to their must-do list. On the site originally was a Catholic church, which was then divided into Christian and Muslim halves after the Muslims conquered Spain in 711. Caliph ’Abd al-Rahman I purchased the Christian half, tore down the church and built the current magnificent structure, a monument to Moorish architecture, in 784. Today, it is a Roman Catholic cathedral, despite the pleas from Spanish Muslim lobbyists who want to be allowed to pray there.

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Alhambra (Granada)

Alhambra (Granada)

Visit the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada. During the 13th century, this palace and fortress was the residence of the Nasrid sultans, as well as top government officials, court servants and the royal guard. Hidden by a thick wooded area, the Alhambra consists of 4 zones: the palaces, the military zone, the city and the villa of the Generalife, located on the country estate of the Nasrid emirs.9601280

Visit the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada. During the 13th century, this palace and fortress was the residence of the Nasrid sultans, as well as top government officials, court servants and the royal guard. Hidden by a thick wooded area, the Alhambra consists of 4 zones: the palaces, the military zone, the city and the villa of the Generalife, located on the country estate of the Nasrid emirs.

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Generalife Gardens (Granada)

Generalife Gardens (Granada)

Schedule some extra time to stroll through the Generalife’s High and Low Gardens. Take the 19th-century Stairway of the Lions to the High Gardens, and see water fountains, beautiful magnolia trees, scented shrubs and other flora spread across several terraces on the palatial estate. Tourists may be lucky enough to catch the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance, held each summer in the Generalife’s outdoor amphitheater, located nearby.9601280

Schedule some extra time to stroll through the Generalife’s High and Low Gardens. Take the 19th-century Stairway of the Lions to the High Gardens, and see water fountains, beautiful magnolia trees, scented shrubs and other flora spread across several terraces on the palatial estate. Tourists may be lucky enough to catch the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance, held each summer in the Generalife’s outdoor amphitheater, located nearby.

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Plaza de Espana (Seville)

Plaza de Espana (Seville)

Does Seville’s Plaza de Espana look familiar? The square — located on the edge of Maria Luisa Park — has been used as a filming location for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Dictator, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Designed by Anibal Gonzalez, the Plaza de Espana has tiled alcoves that each represent a different province of Spain. Today, it is home to museums and government buildings.9601280

Does Seville’s Plaza de Espana look familiar? The square — located on the edge of Maria Luisa Park — has been used as a filming location for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Dictator, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Designed by Anibal Gonzalez, the Plaza de Espana has tiled alcoves that each represent a different province of Spain. Today, it is home to museums and government buildings.

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The Alcazar (Seville)

The Alcazar (Seville)

The upper levels of the Alcazar of Seville are home to the royal family, making it the oldest European royal palace still in use. The Alcazar was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and it is well-renowned as one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain. Explore the history of this amazing complex for a small entrance fee, about $10.9601280

The upper levels of the Alcazar of Seville are home to the royal family, making it the oldest European royal palace still in use. The Alcazar was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and it is well-renowned as one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain. Explore the history of this amazing complex for a small entrance fee, about $10.